Where Do Dead Batteries Go?

By Gavin • Aug 6th, 2008 • Category: Featured, Green Products

Do you ever wonder what happen to all the dead batteries that we toss out? I think most of us know enough not to throw them in fire (they explode!), but I am also sure that many people simply throw them out with the trash. I don’t know how many batteries are used each year, but I am willing to bet that it’s a huge number. So let’s find out what happen if we trash our batteries.

drained batteries

Photo by Moria via Flickr

What happen when you throw batteries out with your trash?

I found a good answer on Answerbag.com and it said:

If a battery is discarded in the normal household trash stream, it goes straight into landfill and, eventually, into the soil and water table. Trash companies do not, as a rule, open and inspect the trash they pick up at the curb. Sorting the trash is the responsibility of the household.

It is up to the consumer to properly dispose of batteries as hazardous waste. Many cities provide drop-off points for household hazardous waste materials. In my community, the city runs hazardous waste disposal centers on a couple of weekends every year. We save all of our depleted batteries until the next household hazardous waste collection and dispose of them along with any other hazardous materials we no longer use (e.g., paints, chemicals).

Industries usually deal with companies that specialize in hazardous waste disposal or battery recycling. The lead in lead-acid batteries, for example, is valuable on a commercial scale. Most companies that sell lead-acid batteries will take them back for a nominal fee or for free, usually when you purchase a new battery from them. The batteries go to commercial recyclers.

What should you do with dead batteries?

Batteries recycling.
- Earth911 will provide you with locations that will take your used batteries, used rechargeable batteries, and used electronics.
- Rechargeable Batteries Recycling Corporation will provide you with recycling locations for rechargeable batteries.
Car batteries disposal. Your car service center or auto part store should accept your old battery.
Rechargeable batteries kit. Rechargeable batteries kit is a great way to save both money and the environment. If you throw out more than a dozen batteries per year, you should consider buying a set. Take a look at these kits from eBay.